Phoenix Avenge Regular Season Loss with 5-2 MSC Semifinal Victory; Set to Face Top Seed Cumberlands

Bowling Green, Ky. - - Cumberland took a nail biting matchup from the no. 2 seeded Lindsey Wilson Raiders, avenging their final loss in the regular season, 5-2.

The Phoenix kicked off their semifinals matchup with a statement victory in doubles, taking strong victories at both the no. 1 and no. 2 positions. Second Team All-Conference members Vitor Ferriera and Julian Parada took down Jan Silhavy and Miquel Perez 6-3 at the top spot.

Securing the point, Daniel Wessels and German Suarez knocked out the no. 2 seed, 6-2. Adrijan Hrzic and Dan Slapnik Trost were also in charge on the final court but did not have to play out their game to a finale, 3-2.

Singles proceedings started off rocky for the Phoenix dropping two points quickly, as both German Suarez and Adrijan Hrzic could not find any luck. Suarez lost 6-1, 6-1 at the no. 5 spot and Hrzic went behind early, but lost despite finding late success, 6-1, 6-4.

Just minutes later though Vitor Ferreira managed to take down LWC's top player, Silhavy, winning 6-4, 5-7. With his victory Cumberland brought the match back level, 2-2, and there were just three more courts left to decide the winner.

After a less than ideal start to his match, Daniel Wessels made a great comeback to take the second and third sets, finishing 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. The Phoenix's lone First Team All Conference member made certain that CU was not done yet, taking a 3-2 lead with just two matches left to play.

Cumberland needed just one victory on the final two courts and it was up to either Dan Slapnik Trost or Julian Parada to take the crucial point. Both players mimicked each other with a split first two sets, leading to a nerve-inducing third set on the no. 4 and 6 courts.

In an unlikely turn of events both Slapnik Trost and Parada had a chance to win their matches at the same time, as they both had match points. Rather than one taking the glory, the pair decided to win simultaneously, seeing Slapnik Trost win his point first and as the celebrations began, Parada won his as well.

Cumberland took down the Blue Raiders with the same score they fell to just under two weeks ago and will have the chance to avenge another loss tomorrow.

With the upset the Phoenix now find themselves with a chance to win the Conference Championship, playing against the no. 1 seed, Cumberlands. The match will take place on Saturday at 3 PM.

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Players Mentioned

Adrijan Hrzic: 6' 1"; Senior

Julian Parada: 5' 10"; Junior

Dan Slapnik Trost: 5' 7"; Senior

German Suarez: 6' 0"; Senior

Daniel Wessels: 6' 1"; Junior

Vitor Ferreira: 5' 11"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Adrijan Hrzic
: 6' 1"; Senior

Julian Parada
: 5' 10"; Junior

Dan Slapnik Trost
: 5' 7"; Senior

German Suarez
: 6' 0"; Senior

Daniel Wessels
: 6' 1"; Junior

Vitor Ferreira
: 5' 11"; Freshman